Federal Lands Subcommittee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Natural Resources Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
The "Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites Act," or STARS Act , aims to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America by providing a fee-free day at various federal recreational sites. Specifically, it mandates that on September 17, 2026 , the Secretary of the Interior must designate all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee as entrance-fee free. Additionally, the Secretary of the Interior will waive standard amenity recreation fees for sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Reclamation on this date. Concurrently, the Secretary of Agriculture is directed to waive standard amenity recreation fees for sites managed by the Forest Service. This initiative seeks to enhance public access to these sites in celebration of the nation's semiquincentennial.
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5074-5075)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4285.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5074)
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5074)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Commemorative events and holidaysParks, recreation areas, trailsUser charges and feesU.S. history
STARS Act
USA119th CongressHR-4285| House
| Updated: 12/10/2025
The "Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites Act," or STARS Act , aims to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America by providing a fee-free day at various federal recreational sites. Specifically, it mandates that on September 17, 2026 , the Secretary of the Interior must designate all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee as entrance-fee free. Additionally, the Secretary of the Interior will waive standard amenity recreation fees for sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Reclamation on this date. Concurrently, the Secretary of Agriculture is directed to waive standard amenity recreation fees for sites managed by the Forest Service. This initiative seeks to enhance public access to these sites in celebration of the nation's semiquincentennial.